It’s a phrase you can’t help but come across when spending time in New Zealand’s capital city: ‘You can’t beat Wellington on a good day’. Whether it be emblazoned along the side of the city’s bright yellow buses or adorned on banners running down Courtenay Place, the sentiment perfectly sums up the “coolest little capital in the world”. With so much to see and do in Wellington, we’ve selected five of the best activities the city has to offer:
Learn the lay of the land at Te Papa
Located on Wellington’s scenic waterfront, New Zealand’s national museum is renowned for the innovative and interactive experiences it offers. With permanent exhibitions celebrating the country’s natural environment and the history of the Māori,
Te Papa is the ideal destination for those wishing to discover more about New Zealand’s heritage and cultural diversity.
Stop and smell the roses in the Botanic Gardens
Just minutes from downtown Wellington, the Botanic Gardens contain 25 hectares worth of native forest, specialised plant collections, floral displays and unique landscapes. Take a trip on the famous Cable Car for spectacular views across the harbour, then enjoy a leisurely stroll back down to the city, perhaps stopping for afternoon tea at
Picnic, a quaint café located in the heart of the Gardens.
Take a stroll along Cuba Street
The cosmopolitan and creative heart of Wellington city centre, many consider
Cuba Street to be “the coolest street in New Zealand”. Boasting an impressive array of coffee houses, shops, restaurants and bars, all tastes are catered for.
Fidel’s Café serves arguably the best burgers and banana milkshakes in the city, while those who enjoy fine dining can reserve a table at
Logan Brown, former winner of Cuisine NZ’s Restaurant of the Year. Round off the evening with a cocktail at
The Matterhorn, a unique venue hidden at the end of an easily missed alleyway, or take in a show at
The San Francisco Bath House.
Discover the delights of the Penthouse Theatre
While the
Embassy Theatre on Courtenay Place gets all the attention thanks to Hobbit-based movie premieres,
Brooklyn’s Penthouse Cinema offers cinephiles a much more intimate experience. Offering an eclectic mix of mainstream, arthouse and classic films, film fans of all ages will find something here to suit their taste. The in-house café has gained a reputation for serving some of the finest coffee in Wellington and is also fully licensed, offering a range of wine and beer that can be enjoyed in the theatre.
Enjoy the view from Mount Victoria
Towering above the city’s Eastern suburbs,
Mount Victoria offers those hardy souls who brave the hike to the top unsurpassed views across the entire city. From the summit you can observe the hustle and bustle of daily Wellington life, watch planes take off from the nearby airport and see the Interislander Ferry set off across Cook Strait to the South Island. Trails and paths criss-cross the mountain, making this a great destination for walkers, joggers and mountain bikers. When finally back down at sea level, take a walk along the beach at Oriental Parade and pop into Fisherman’s Table for the best fish supper in town!
Visit
www.wellingtonnz.com to discover the hundreds of other activities the city has to offer. For Consultant and GP jobs in and around the area have a look at our
job section or
get in touch.